10 Hot New CamerasTop technologies and features are finding their way into the whole range of digital cameras, from compacts to D-SLRs |
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Page 2 of 5 Nikon D40x It seems like only yesterday that Nikon introduced the 6.1-megapixel D40, its smallest and easiest-to-use D-SLR. But here comes the new, equally compact D40x, combining many of the D40’s convenient features and advanced technologies with a 10.2-megapixel image sensor, ISOs down to 100 (versus 200 for the D40), 3 fps advance rate (versus 2.5), an electronic focal-plane shutter (versus a combined mechanical and CCD shutter) with X-sync up to 1⁄200 sec. (versus 1⁄500 sec.), and the ability to make about 10 percent more shots on a battery charge—all for about $200 more. Eight Digital Vari-Program modes automatically set the camera for shooting popular subjects like portraits, children, landscapes, sports and close-ups. The fast 0.18-second start-up time and instant shutter response make it easy to catch everyday “decisive moments.” Estimated Street Price: $729 (D40x body); $799 (with 18-55mm zoom lens). Contact: Nikon, www.nikondigitalusa.com. Specs Sensor: 10.2 MP, 23.6x15.8mm CCD Lens: Interchangeable LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch ISO Range: 100-1600 Shutter Speed: 15 sec. to 1⁄2500 sec. Media: SD, SDHC Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions: 5.0x3.7x2.5 inches Weight: 17 ounces  Canon PowerShot TX1The 10-fps, 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS-1D Mark III pro D-SLR with Live-View monitor took center stage at this year’s PMA, overshadowing another excellent introduction from Canon, the PowerShot TX1. At first glance, the TX1 looks like other cigarette-pack-sized cameras Canon has introduced since its pioneering tiny Elph more than a decade ago. But switch it on, and a 10x optical zoom lens (39-390mm 35mm-camera equivalent) materializes, with built-in Optical Image Stabilization to help you get sharp shots at all those focal lengths. At the 39mm setting in Super Macro Mode, the camera will focus right down to the front of the lens. The TX1 shoots high-def 1080 x 720-pixel movies at 30 fps, with stereo sound, and you can zoom the lens with optical image stabilization while “filming.” MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-quality, 7.1-megapixel still images while recording movies. Other features include a twist-out Vari-Angle Wide-View LCD monitor, Canon’s new DIGIC III image processor, ISOs from 80 to 1600, 14 shooting modes and Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology, which detects, locks on and tracks human faces in a scene, optimizing focus and exposure for both still and movie shooting. Estimated Street Price: $499. Contact: Canon, www.usa.canon.com. Specs Sensor: 7.1 MP, 1/2.5-inch CCD Lens: 39-390mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 LCD Monitor: 1.8-inch ISO Range: 80-1600 Shutter Speed: 15 sec. to 1⁄2500 sec. Media: SD, SDHC Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions: 3.5x2.4x1.1 inches Weight: 7.8 ounces  Olympus EVOLT E-510Olympus introduced the first D-SLR with a sensor dust-removal feature (the EVOLT E-1, in 2024) and the first with a Live-View LCD monitor (the EVOLT E-330, in 2024). Now the company offers two D-SLRs with both features: the EVOLT E-510 and EVOLT E-410. Both use a new 10-megapixel Live MOS image sensor and are compatible with all Four Thirds System lenses. The slightly larger E-510 provides a first for an Olympus D-SLR: Dual Image Stabilization. Mechanical Image Stabilization moves the image sensor to counter the effects of camera shake and thus works with all lenses; Digital Image Stabilization automatically adjusts the ISO to maintain a blur-reducing high shutter speed as the light level drops. The Full Time Live View HyperCrystal LCD monitor lets you compose images live, so you can check exposure, composition and focus before shooting. And you can use the monitor to compose with the camera held away from your eye, making close-up and unusual-angle shooting a lot easier. Estimated Street Price: $799 (E-510); $899 (with 14-42mm zoom); $999 (with 14-42mm and 40-150mm zooms); $100 less for the E-410. Contact: Olympus, www.olympusamerica.com. Specs Sensor: 10 MP, 17.3x13.0mm Live MOS Lens: Interchangeable LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch Live View ISO Range: 100-1600 Shutter Speed: 60 sec. to 1⁄4000 sec. Media: CF, xD Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions: 5.4x3.6x2.7 inches Weight: 16.2 ounces   |
